The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a 17.1% increase in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England between 2023 and 2024, marking the highest rates seen in a decade. The number of Campylobacter cases increased from 60,055 to 70,352, rising from 104.1 to 121.9 reports per 100,000 people. Adults aged 50–79 accounted for 44% of cases, while Salmonella cases spiked from 8,872 to 10,388 (a rate of 24.2 reports per 100,000 people), particularly affecting children under 10 (who accounted for 21% of cases). These bacteria are major causes of food poisoning and are typically spread through contaminated food, such as undercooked meat, eggs, raw produce, and unpasteurised dairy products, as well as through cross-contamination in kitchens and close personal contact. The UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency are investigating the spike in cases and urging the public to follow food hygiene best practices, emphasising the ‘4 Cs’: cleaning, cooking, chilling, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Giorgio Lo Conte
